Prospect Park council member Anand Shah was arrested last week in connection to an illegal gambling ring, which included underground poker and offshore sports betting. The investigation led to a total of 39 arrests, all charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, money laundering and more.
The big names arrested in the case include members of the Lucchese crime family as well as Shah, who was up for reelection this year. Shah reportedly ran illegal poker games and an illegal sports betting website.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent, Col. Patrick Callahan, said about the investigation:
“Evidence that illegal gambling and money laundering still serve as a major source of income for these criminal enterprises, you think about where this infiltrated into local governments and to appointed and elected officials.”
New Jersey is a rich gambling state that offers legal online casinos and sports betting platforms.
Public officials held to high ethics standard
The fact that a New Jersey councilman was involved in an illegal gambling ring that led to his arrest is certainly big news. Prospect Park Mayor, Mohamed Khairullah, said in a statement, according to NBC New York:
“While we do not yet know the full scope or outcome of the legal process ahead, I want to reaffirm that this administration holds all public officials to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Our commitment to lawful and transparent governance remains firm.
“This is undoubtedly a difficult time for Councilman Shah’s family and those close to him. I ask that we allow the legal process to proceed without speculation.”
The investigation found four poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield and Woodland Park, illegal gambling machines in Paterson and offshore sportsbooks. It resulted in the findings of more than $3 million.
New Jersey Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, commented on the evolution of crime since the internet, according to Eyewitness News ABC:
“Organized crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago, especially thanks to the online component. And some of the language may have changed.
“But it’s the same old story. Criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law.”
Every person charged could face between 10 and 20 years in prison.
